As director of Sonoma County Economic Development Board since 1986, Ben Stone has had a huge impact on the direction the county has taken, as far as encouraging innovative, business-friendly policies and tracking progress with an eye on continued improvement. During his tenure, the EDB has developed a number of award-winning programs, in partnership with local private and public sectors, that have since been transitioned to community-based organizations. Among these are the North Bay Technology Roundtable, Youth Business Week, Business Environmental Alliance, Sonoma County Film Commission and others.Asked how he became interested in economic development, Stone points to his childhood in the Pacific Northwest: “When I was in high school, I took a ‘vocational interest test,’ and my number one interest match was ‘chamber of commerce director,’” he remembers. “About the same time, Boeing was in a terrible slump and Washington state’s unemployment rate was 17 percent. My father’s business struggled, and many of my friends’ parents became unemployed. I decided then to dedicate my life to trying to prevent such situations and to help all parts of a community be successful and prosper.”
Describe a proud professional moment.
Two come to mind most quickly. First, EDB worked with local businesses and government over the course of seven years to develop the county’s new tourism program, which received the state’s highest honor for economic development, and then spinning that program off as the new Sonoma County Tourism bureau. Second, EDB worked with a task force of 21 agricultural groups and the UCCE Farm Advisor to develop the nation’s first countywide ag marketing program; EDB then received a federal grant to implement the program, which was then spun off as Sonoma Select.
What do you love most about living in Wine Country?
I think quality of life is most to love here—not only the scenery, but the warm and welcoming tone of the community. As an outsider (I grew up in the Pacific Northwest), I came here knowing nobody. Now, I can’t leave home in the morning without seeing somebody I know. Not only do I feel at home here in Sonoma County, it is my home.
If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be?
Benjamin Franklin
What would you want to talk about?
Everything!
Do you have a pet peeve?
Those who don’t take responsibility and instead blame others.
What childhood accident stands out in your mind?
I was 16 and had recently gotten my driver’s license when I had to have three teeth pulled. Leaving the dentist, all novocained up and backing out of a parking lot, I ran into a Cadillac. It was an expensive lesson.
What have you done in your life that required the most courage?
Being an exchange student to England in high school. I was the first in my family to go abroad, and foreign travel was quite rare then. It was a big deal.
What movies have you watched over and over again?
“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” “Risky Business” (I see new aspects of business every time: it’s all about business!), “The Sound of Music” simply because of the scenery and the music, “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf” and “Long Day’s Journey into Night” for insight into family dynamics.
What subject didn’t you pay attention to in school that you now wish you had?
Chemistry and physics. I understand now how amazing each of those fields are, but I didn’t appreciate that then.
What’s your favorite piece of art?
Of late, the Pilchuck glass work developed by Dale Chihuly. I’ve even looked in at his studio on Lake Union in Seattle—amazing operation!
What do you love to do outside of work?
Go to Giants games! I also enjoy hiking, travel, wine, movies, symphony, reading (especially biographies and history), watching tennis and studying genealogy. I’m a news junkie and regularly read the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Press Democrat, Economist magazine and Business Week.
What’s one of your favorite local nonprofit organizations?
I’ve worked with so many of Sonoma County nonprofits, and I’m dazzled at all they achieve and how passionate their staff and board members are.
Who’s the most famous person you’ve met?
Jonathan Winters. I found him very approachable, gracious, witty and kind.
What’s the best book you’ve read in the last year?
Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin. It revealed Lincoln’s innate skill in bringing diverse, strong personalities together and his remarkable rise from poverty to the Presidency.
What’s your favorite thing to cook?
Ice cream sundaes.
